Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Jean-Philip Grobler
grew up performing with the Drakensberg Boys Choir School, learning
everything from Bach to minimalist opera. St. Lucia was born out of a
moment in early 2010 when Grobler was looking to the past for
inspiration. Growing frustrated with a rock project that was starting to
feel forced, he delved back into the music that had first inspired him:
Fleetwood Mac, Peter Gabriel, Madonna and other songs from his youth.
After setting up shop in a small studio in Brooklyn,
Grobler began to experiment with these new influences and open the lid
on his new project. Teaming up with friends Nick Brown, Ross Clark,
Nicky Paul and Patricia Beranek to perform live, Grobler was signed to
HeavyRoc Music after grabbing the attention of NYC production team The
Knocks. Shortly after, St. Lucia partnered with Columbia imprint Neon
Gold Records—and the band’s song “All Eyes On You” was used in national
advertising campaigns.
St. Lucia’s previous releases—2012’s “September” EP and
self-titled EP—transported listeners to decades past while staying
firmly rooted in the present, drawing out melodic bravado and euphoric
energy while discarding any trace of the saccharine. When The Night, the synth-pop outfit’s full-length debut expands upon St. Lucia’s unique brand of dreamy, nostalgic pop. Produced by Grobler, When The Night features additional production and mixing from Chris Zane (Passion Pit), Rich Costey (Muse, Foo Fighters) and Andy Baldwin.
Grobler remains heavily involved in projects outside of St.
Lucia, serving as producer for the debut album by Brooklyn-based
labelmates HAERTS, remixing songs for bands including Passion Pit,
Foster the People and Charli XCX, and collaborating with DJs ranging
from The Knocks to RAC. St. Lucia has recently toured with Ellie
Goulding and Charli XCX, performed at festivals including Lollapalooza,
Governors Ball and Firefly, not to mention shared stages with fun., Two
Door Cinema Club, Young The Giant, The Shins and more.
Watch the video below for my favorite track off of the new album. The band was actually being evicted in this video, so they threw a party to commemorate their studio... so very very rad.
